Examining the ethics of research in animal experimentation

Abstract

Experimentation in animals is a scientific activity that is essential to basic biological and medical researchers. Yet this tends to create a classic dilemma pertaining to acquisition of knowledge for the good of mankind and the inducement of burden and pains on animals. This has made discussions on animal experimentation controversial and often emotional. The burden placed on animals, the results and potential benefits therefore make studies and discussions in Animal Ethics interesting but intriguing. Animal Ethics raises several philosophical questions about how we should understand morality with regard to animals. This research is a contribution to the discussion in the field of animal ethics and experimentation. The work sets out to question the morality of using animals in experimental research and thereby provides some kind of leaning toward animal rights. This work employs the philosophical method of critical analysis to arrive at its conclusion.